Sights firmly fixed on transforming healthcare

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I note the letter titled ‘Jamaica’s healthcare crossroads: Beyond external aid, a call for national action’ by Hillary Davis, published in The Gleaner on March 12. I wish to assure the people that best efforts are being made to safeguard the future of the healthcare system.

I thank the concerned citizen for proposing interventions that mirror those being pursued by the Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW), towards the transformation of the system for the best possible health outcomes and to foster improved user experiences.

Let us take the suggestion for financial and bonding programmes. Last year, the ministry introduced a $2.5-billion scholarship programme from which an initial 600-plus graduate and undergraduate students pursuing careers in health have benefited.

On training, we have an ongoing collaboration with the University of Technology for the delivery of the MOHW/UTech Healthcare Leadership Programme that has seen 122 beneficiaries to date; the Compassionate Care Programme that has trained healthcare workers in customer service; and the Health Systems Strengthening Programme that is upskilling community health aides to deliver footcare services to persons living with chronic diseases.

It is no secret that there are prevailing human resources for health (HRH) challenges in Jamaica – as elsewhere in the developing world. Jamaica is giving the matter top priority, with an HRH Policy and Action Plan being developed through a Pan-American Health Organisation-led consultancy on health workforce planning and research.

The ministry also recently hosted its first-ever Career Expo & Employment Fair that afforded the public the chance to vie for more than 600 jobs. The expo, which attracted the participation of near 10,000 Jamaicans, also showcased the career options and professional groups in health.

At the same time, the Government has undertaken the first major compensation review in decades, which saw significant changes to the remuneration packages of several cadres of health workers. Together with increasing the number of available posts, including for doctors, that should help to support retention.

These efforts are being complemented by our pursuit of bilateral cooperation with our country partners to bolster the healthcare team, because the fact is that health staff will leave the service, whether to take up opportunities overseas or in the private sector.

The ministry also continues to give primacy to community health initiatives, as evidenced by the ongoing reform of primary healthcare and interventions such as ‘Operation Refresh’, ‘Know Your Numbers’, ‘Jamaica Moves’, ‘Second Chance Smiles’, and ‘New Limb, New Life’ that empower people in communities to make better health choices, while also improving their access to healthcare services.

Certainly, there remains some miles to travel on the road to enhanced resilience and transformation, in the interest of all; and we will get there – with the continued support of all stakeholders.

CHRISTOPHER TUFTON

Minister of Health & Wellness